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Labour leadership contest: Boost for Starmer's campaign as he gets Unison's backing – live news Labour leadership contest: Boost for Starmer's campaign as he gets Unison's backing – live news
(32 minutes later)
The day’s politics news, including first PMQs of 2020 and Johnson’s meeting with new European commission president Ursula von der LeyenThe day’s politics news, including first PMQs of 2020 and Johnson’s meeting with new European commission president Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European commission, has said it will be “impossible” for the UK to negotiate a comprehensive deal covering all aspects of Brexit within the timeframe set by Boris Johnson. She also said Johnson should reconsider his decision to rule out extending the post-Brexit transition period. (See 2.29pm.) At the afternoon lobby briefing a spokesman for the PM said this would not happen. He said:
Keir Starmer’s Labour leadership campaign has received a boost after he won the backing of the UK’s biggest trade union, Unison, and became the first person to get more than the 22 MPs required to become a candidate.
Boris Johnson has strongly backed the US’s decision to kill the senior Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in a missile strike, telling prime minister’s questions that while he could not comment on the legality of the act, “most reasonable people” would think the operation was justified.
The UK could introduce tariffs on imports of food from countries with lower food safety and farming standards than the UK, using World Trade Organization rules, Theresa Villiers, the environment secretary, has suggested.
MPs have voted down proposals to enshrine protections for child refugees as part of the government’s Brexit agreement. As the Press Association reports, following his election victory, Boris Johnson re-drafted his European Union (withdrawal agreement) bill and rowed back on the previous government’s acceptance of an amendment from Labour peer Lord Dubs to allow unaccompanied child refugees to continue to be reunited with their families in the UK after exit day. Clause 37 of the bill replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to “make a statement” on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete. An attempt to re-instate the Dubs provision was defeated this afternoon by a majority of 96 votes. This is from the Green MP Caroline Lucas.
Three MEPs who quit - and one who was sacked by - the Brexit party have joined the Conservatives. Annunziata Rees-Mogg - sister of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg - Lance Forman and Lucy Harris resigned the Brexit party whip only a week before the election to back the PM’s push to “get Brexit done”. As the Press Association reports, they were joined in backing Boris Johnson by John Longworth, the former director general of the British Chambers of Commerce who was sacked for “repeatedly undermining” leader Nigel Farage’s election strategy only days before the trio’s walkout. The four confirmed they have switched allegiance to become Tory MEPs in the European parliament, in a move that will more than double the number of Conservatives in Brussels. It takes the number of Tory representatives to seven.
Airbnb-style short-term lets could be subject to new licensing schemes from spring next year, the Scottish government has announced. As the Press Association reports, as well as handing councils the power to bring in licensing schemes, local authorities will in future be able to designate new control areas for short-term lets, with those wanting to let out properties in this way first having to obtain planning permission. The measures are being introduced following concerns about the impact such lets have on areas such as Edinburgh - one of the most popular places for Airbnb listings.
That’s all from me for today.
Thanks for the comments.
This is from Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, who attended the meeting in Dowing Street with Boris Johnson alongside Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European commission.
From LabourList’s Sienna RodgersFrom LabourList’s Sienna Rodgers
Jon Lansman is head of Momentum, the Labour organisation set up for Jeremy Corbyn supporters. And Matt Zarb-Cousin is a former press spokesman for Corbyn.Jon Lansman is head of Momentum, the Labour organisation set up for Jeremy Corbyn supporters. And Matt Zarb-Cousin is a former press spokesman for Corbyn.
Here is Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary and Labour leadership candidate, responding to news that Unison is backing his campaign.Here is Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary and Labour leadership candidate, responding to news that Unison is backing his campaign.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have been reminiscing about the fact that they attended the same school in Brussels during their meeting in No 10. Their fathers both worked for the European commission, and so they both attended the European school in Brussels, although not at the same time.Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have been reminiscing about the fact that they attended the same school in Brussels during their meeting in No 10. Their fathers both worked for the European commission, and so they both attended the European school in Brussels, although not at the same time.
The Telegraph’s Peter Foster has a good take on the exchanges.The Telegraph’s Peter Foster has a good take on the exchanges.
Northern Ireland businesses have vowed to take their fight for a Brexit mitigation package to the House of Lords any beyond.Northern Ireland businesses have vowed to take their fight for a Brexit mitigation package to the House of Lords any beyond.
And they have dared the government to “prove it” after the Northern Ireland minister Robin Walker told MPs that “this deal is a good deal for both businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland.”And they have dared the government to “prove it” after the Northern Ireland minister Robin Walker told MPs that “this deal is a good deal for both businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland.”
An amendment proposing cash compensation for the extra disruption they will face post-Brexit because of checks on goods crossing the Irish sea was comprehensively defeated by 75 voters in the Commons, as was a proposal for an annual review of the new arrangements if the impact of Brexit is adverse.An amendment proposing cash compensation for the extra disruption they will face post-Brexit because of checks on goods crossing the Irish sea was comprehensively defeated by 75 voters in the Commons, as was a proposal for an annual review of the new arrangements if the impact of Brexit is adverse.
“The fight will go on in the House of Lords, at Committees and with the EU. We are determined to protect NI families and the affordability and choice they enjoy,” the business groups said in a statement. The 12 business groups backing the statement include the Ulster Farmers Union and the Confederation of British Industry in Northern Ireland.“The fight will go on in the House of Lords, at Committees and with the EU. We are determined to protect NI families and the affordability and choice they enjoy,” the business groups said in a statement. The 12 business groups backing the statement include the Ulster Farmers Union and the Confederation of British Industry in Northern Ireland.
So far there have been four votes on amendments to the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill in the Commons this afternoon. The government has won them all very easily.So far there have been four votes on amendments to the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill in the Commons this afternoon. The government has won them all very easily.
Here is a rather sad tweet from Laura Smith, who was Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich until she lost her seat in the election.Here is a rather sad tweet from Laura Smith, who was Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich until she lost her seat in the election.
These are from HuffPost’s Paul Waugh, who has been at the afternoon Downing Street lobby briefing.These are from HuffPost’s Paul Waugh, who has been at the afternoon Downing Street lobby briefing.
The Labour leadership candidates have mostly been wary of criticising Jeremy Corbyn directly, but they have been more willing to have a go at his advisers and none more so than Emily Thornberry, who in an interview before Christmas effectively called for Seumas Milne and Karie Murphy, who have been Corbyn’s two most powerful aides, to be sacked.The Labour leadership candidates have mostly been wary of criticising Jeremy Corbyn directly, but they have been more willing to have a go at his advisers and none more so than Emily Thornberry, who in an interview before Christmas effectively called for Seumas Milne and Karie Murphy, who have been Corbyn’s two most powerful aides, to be sacked.
Today Thornberry has escalated her attack, saying that unnamed “advisers” in Corbyn’s office tried to remove a line from the 2019 manifesto criticising rocket and terror attacks by Palestinian groups against Israel. In a blog for the Jewish Chronicle she says:Today Thornberry has escalated her attack, saying that unnamed “advisers” in Corbyn’s office tried to remove a line from the 2019 manifesto criticising rocket and terror attacks by Palestinian groups against Israel. In a blog for the Jewish Chronicle she says:
In a passage on Israel and Palestine the manifesto said:In a passage on Israel and Palestine the manifesto said:
In the blog Thornberry says she does not think Corbyn was aware that his advisers were trying to make sure the manifesto did not contain implicit criticism of groups like Hamas. She says:In the blog Thornberry says she does not think Corbyn was aware that his advisers were trying to make sure the manifesto did not contain implicit criticism of groups like Hamas. She says:
She also says the party needs to be much tougher with antisemites in the party. She says:She also says the party needs to be much tougher with antisemites in the party. She says:
Corbyn’s office has been asked to comment, but has not replied yet. I will post their response if I get one.Corbyn’s office has been asked to comment, but has not replied yet. I will post their response if I get one.
A government minister has said there will be “reporting requirements” for goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.A government minister has said there will be “reporting requirements” for goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
But Robin Walker, a Northern Ireland minister, told MPs during the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill: “It is clear there are reporting requirements in terms of the functioning of the protocol.”But Robin Walker, a Northern Ireland minister, told MPs during the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill: “It is clear there are reporting requirements in terms of the functioning of the protocol.”
But Walker said the checks would be light touch. He said:But Walker said the checks would be light touch. He said:
Walker added he recognised the concerns of businesses over checks because of Brexit and the government would seek to minimise them.Walker added he recognised the concerns of businesses over checks because of Brexit and the government would seek to minimise them.
They are demanding cash compensation that could run to more than £100m for the disruption caused by Brexit.They are demanding cash compensation that could run to more than £100m for the disruption caused by Brexit.
Walker said the government recognised the “strong voice” and concerns of Northern Ireland businesses but article 6 of the withdrawal agreement NI protocol gave the government the power to ensure “unfettered” access. He said:Walker said the government recognised the “strong voice” and concerns of Northern Ireland businesses but article 6 of the withdrawal agreement NI protocol gave the government the power to ensure “unfettered” access. He said:
Unison, the largest union in the UK, has endorsed Sir Keir Starmer for next Labour leader. Starmer has already become the first candidate to get the required number of nominations from MPs (see 11.18am) and the Unison endorsement means that he can be confident of clearing the other nomination threshold: getting the support of either 10% of CLPs, or 5% of the affiliate vote. Unison accounts for more than 5% of the affiliate vote.
Under Labour rules Starmer needs another two affiliated organisations to back him – either trade unions or socialist societies. Given the support he is already attracting, he is certain to achieve this.
Explaining Unison’s decision, Dave Prentis, the Unison general secretary, said:
Here is the full text of the speech by Ursula Von der Leyen, the new president of the European commission, at the LSE earlier. Here is my colleague Lisa O’Carroll’s write-up. And here are the key points.
Von der Leyen said it would be impossible to negotiate a full UK-EU trade deal by the end of this year. Boris Johnson claims it will be possible to conclude the negotiations within this time frame. But in her speech Von der Leyen said:
She went even further in the Q&A, saying:
She urged Johnson to reconsider his opposition to an extension of the post-Brexit transition period. Johnson has amended the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill to make it illegal for the government to agree an extension with the EU. But Von der Leyen said this option should remain open. In the Q&A she said:
The 1 July deadline is important because, if the UK and the EU do want to extend the transition period for one year or for two years, as allowed under the withdrawal agreement, they have to decide that by that point.
She said that after Brexit the UK and the EU would continue to be “the best of friends and partners”.
She said that after Brexit the UK’s relationship with the EU would change. In her speech she said:
But she did say the EU wanted a trade deal “unprecedented in scope”. In her speech she said:
When asked in the Q&A what she meant by a zero tariffs, zero quotas, zero dumping relationship, she replied:
She said Brexit had strengthened faith in the EU project. In her speech she said:
She praised the contribution of Britons to Europe and to the European Union. She said:
She stressed her love for the UK. Speaking about her time as a student at the LSE, she said:
Clive Lewis, the Labour leadership hopeful, has revealed plans for increased cooperation with the Greens if he takes over from Jeremy Corbyn, highlighting what seems likely to be an increasing focus for Labour as it comes to terms with its latest election defeat.
Lewis, the Norwich South MP and shadow Treasury minister, said that if he became leader he would seek to work directly with the Greens on a so-called green new deal, the idea of investing heavily to transform the economy on a sustainable basis. He said:
The Greens’ sole MP, Caroline Lucas, said she welcomed the idea of cooperation on the green new deal, an idea pioneered in the UK by her party.
In practical terms this probably won’t make much difference, for two reasons. Firstly, while the Greens would argue for a more radical reshaping of the economy than Labour, it seems inevitable they would back a Labour green new deal plan in parliament anyway. Also, Lewis is currently seen as an outsider to win the leadership contest.
But it is nonetheless a notable move, cementing ideas of the so-called progressive alliance on the left as a way to circumvent the first-past-the-post electoral system. Lewis himself is a notable Labour proponent of proportional representation, which does tend to necessitate closer cross-party collaboration.
Speaking to reporters after PMQs, Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman said it was “hard to see” how the assassination of the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in a US drone strike could be justified as a legal action. The spokesman said:
The spokesman also said if the Iraqi government called for the expulsion of foreign troops then the British government should respect that.
He also said there should be an emergency meeting of the UN security council to de-escalate the crisis.
Here is my colleague Lisa O’Carroll’s story on the Ursula von der Leyen speech.
And this is how it starts.
Labour leadership hopeful Clive Lewis has said he cannot think of any reason why he would authorise the use of Britain’s nuclear weapons should he ever become prime minister. In an interview on Wednesday morning, the former shadow defence minister said he did not believe the country needed nuclear weapons and that they did not act as a deterrent.
Speaking on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show about whether he would ever “press the nuclear button”, Lewis said:
The former infantry officer, who served on a three-month tour in Afghanistan in 2009, said the party was committed to paying for the renewal of the deterrent. However, he said his personal opinion was that were other means of defending the UK should it be threatened by a nuclear power.
Jeremy Corbyn has been a long-standing opponent of nuclear weapons but in November he said Britain’s Vanguard submarine fleet, based at Faslane in Scotland, would continue if he became PM but would be part of the “equation” when it came to non-proliferation discussions. Lewis said: “Our party policy is to renew [the nuclear deterrent].”
Asked how he would mark Corbyn out of 10 (in the light of Rebecca Long Bailey’s awarding Corbyn “10 out of 10” on Tuesday), Lewis said he would give Corbyn six out of 10 for his performance during the election. “It wouldn’t be 10 out of 10. I would say maybe six out of 10,” he said. He explained:
Stronger and better leadership was needed on antisemitism, he said, as well as a better strategy during the election campaign. The individual policies in the manifesto were correctly “radical”, he said, but it needed to be explained that they would take place over several years and not all in one go.
Who won? Well, it was obviously Sir Lindsay Hoyle, because he has transformed PMQs, getting it back down to a brisk, 30-minute event, instead of the sprawling fixture it was under John Bercow normally lasting the best part of an hour. Whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing, it is probably too early to tell, but it means that Hoyle has stamped his authority on the place. Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn were clearly warned in advance that they weren’t going to be allowed to talk as much as in the Bercow era, and both questions and answers were tighter than in the past.
It was the first time Johnson has spoken in public about the Iran crisis – in fact, it was the first time he has spoken in public on anything in 2020 - and he came out with about the strongest endorsement heard so far from the UK government of the US decision to assassinate the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani. Suleimani had supplied “improvised explosive devices to terrorists, which I’m afraid killed and maimed British troops”, he said. “That man had the blood of British troops on his hands.” But even in this answer he avoided saying outright that the US attack was lawful, and overall Johnson sounded like someone who would rather be commenting on other matters, not this one. (See 10.14am.)
Corbyn has spent his life denouncing US warmongering and last week it felt as if President Trump’s decision to order the killing of Suleimani vindicated everything the Labour leader has ever said about Washington being a threat to the world order. But he did not make that case very well at PMQs, and Johnson successfully brushed him aside. Ministers can’t say clearly that they think the killing of Suleimani was a wise thing to do (presumably because they don’t think it was – their support has been quite qualified) and they seem to have some doubts about the legality of the operation too. But it would have taken sustained, forensic questioning to get this to show up at PMQs, and Corbyn did not pull that off. He is obviously right about Johnson being nervous about criticising Trump in public. But British prime ministers are always wary of criticising US presidents, and so Corbyn’s attempt to link this to sensitivities around a US trade deal was unconvincing.
But with the date for his departure already set, Corbyn could be forgiven for not operating at full pelt. Johnson seemed relatively disengaged in their exchanges too, and his anti-Corbyn put-downs felt rather underpowered. He seemed much more animated arguing with Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, but that is not surprising; looking ahead over the next five years, Scotland will be much more of a threat to his premiership than Corbyn.
Labour’s Karl Turner asks about a constituent serving a life sentence. But the constituent was also one of the people who tackled the terrorist in the London Bridge attack. Will the PM congratulate him?
Johnson says he hopes this gallantry is respected in the usual way.
And that’s it. PMQs is over.
The SNP’s Douglas Chapman says the SNP’s mandate is much stronger than Johnson’s. He says the Scottish government has an “oven-ready” plan for an independence referendum. When will discussions begin?
Johnson says he has already addressed this.
Asked what he has done to restore the Iran nuclear deal, Johnson says the UK still thinks the JCPOA is the best way forward. He says he thinks that way forward will remain. It is a shell at the moment. But it is a shell into which substance can be put.